MILTON — Milton High School Head Football Coach Chafan Marsh has resigned his position as head football coach, but will continue to serve as a dean of students, Principal Tim Short said.
Marsh said he's focusing on his career and family after serving six years as a coach.
"I told the kids I've sacrificed a lot over the years, and now I'm sacrificing for myself and my family,” he said.
Marsh said he's exploring other opportunities with the school district. Short said before Marsh took over as head coach he was already looking to take an administrative role in the school district, but took the head coach position when it became available.
"Looking at what Coach Marsh has done over the last six years, he's had a lot of successes on the field and in the community. When he took over, the program was not in good shape. He helped restore the program where it needs to be," Short said.
MHS’s varsity program has had difficulties, with highlights being playoff participation in the 2012 and 2013 seasons and a 6-5 season last year.
Short said before Marsh started as coach, Milton lost to Pace nine times in a row, but beat the school's rival four out of six seasons afterward.
Short also said several athletes went on to play college football during Marsh's career. These included Corliss Waitman, who went to the University of South Alabama, Andre Flakes, who went to Troy University, and Isaiah Jones, who went to Southern Mississippi University.
"He's a great leader and a great person. He's good for kids and ultimately that means he's an educator regardless of the role," Short said.
Short and Milton High School Athletic Director Murray Rutledge said Marsh's relationship with students stood out.
"He's a friend and I hope we continue to be friends,” Rutledge said.
"Hopefully we'll find a fit for Milton High that can get along with kids like he did, to have a relationship with them like he did … He's a good man. I hate to see him go … He's a good person and a good leader," Rutledge said.
Marsh knows what he will miss the most as head coach.
"I've built relationships that will last a lifetime. They're all still kids to me. I will miss them. What I'll miss most is that and the Friday night lights … the kids and the excitement."
Marsh said he's sure Short will make a good decision on the new coach and will be in the stands cheering on the team.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Milton head football coach resigns